College football season is finally here. Although the first complete slate of games won't happen until Saturday, there is still a little game down in Columbia Thursday night. Here are my thoughts on tonight's match-up.
Southern Miss (0-0) at South Carolina (0-0) Sept. 2 7:30 p.m. ESPN
This will be the third consecutive year that the Gamecocks have opened the college football season before a prime time television audience. It will also be the third straight year that people will wonder if Steve Spurrier will return to "Old Ball Coach" form and help the Gamecocks challenge for the SEC East title. Thursday night shouldn't be a problem when they welcome Southern Miss into Columbia.
Why South Carolina will win: The Golden Eagles could be a potential roadblock for the Gamecocks, but Spurrier will have his team ready. Southern Miss is inexperienced on defense and Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia should have his way with Tori Gurley and Alshon Jeffrey at the receiver spots. Southern Miss will also have four new starters on the offensive line, which could prove disastrous against a stout Gamecock defense.
South Carolina's offense doesn't have a lot of firepower by any means, but expect the South Carolina defense to dial up some pressure and force two or three turnovers to set up Garcia in prime position. Close game in the first half but the Gamecocks pull away in the third.
Prediction: South Carolina 31 Southern Miss 17
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